Political Action Committees (PACs) are actively involved in political fundraising near elections to maximize political benefits with appropriate use of organization resources. PAC is registered with states by certain organizations or groups. Organizations raise funds from the members to contribute to the candidates. However, there are certain limits set by the state election law for the maximum contribution a candidate can have from PAC and depending on the position and the office they will be elected for (Regan, 2000). The elected representatives have a strong relationship with nursing homes and other nursing institutes. They are mainly responsible for hiring staff in these homes who will implement their policies properly.
It also plays important role in campaigns of legislators, who understand the current problems and issues (Regan, 2000). They vote in for the right candidate in nursing homes so that they are adequately funded and regulated efficiently. Yes PAC can endorse a candidate. On checking candidates’ qualifications and experience, PAC has the right to endorse a particular candidate. It’s important to effectively implement all policies hence PAC has certain rights to support the election of certain qualified candidates who will support nurses. “The political action committee (PAC) is a major vehicle for campaign contributions for candidates from any party.” (Twedell & Webb, 2007).
Nurses have a very important role in making healthcare policies, their effective implementation, and in making new healthcare delivery models (Twedell & Webb, 2007). They are a leading force in health policy debates and can successfully help in improving states’ health. Quality nurses can only be available with full training and practice in their respective states. Nursing Political Action committee can also play important role in addressing nurses’ shortage.
NPAC will ensure election and re-election of the right candidates who will make sure to employ quality nurses, high standard training, and improve healthcare quality delivered to the patients.
Issues that are most importantly linked with the rights of nurses and quality care provided to patients are:
- Standards for safe nurse staffing
- Safe working environment
- Funding for nurse education and training
- Reimbursement
- Reduction in overtime
- Reforms in malpractice
- Funding for public health
- Continuing education
- Licensure issues
- Scholarships for nursing education, training, and certifications
- Assessment of healthcare
- Nurses’ shortage and retention
Different states have different PACs which regulate according to specific states’ needs and policies. NPAC will help raise funds and will support the election of candidates who will support nurses and their profession in all the key issues and will have better future prospects of nurses. Apart from this with a selection of the right candidates, it is expected that quality healthcare will be delivered to patients.
The most important issue with nurses is that sometimes they have to give overtime in hospitals, hence, PAC will ensure the selection of a qualified candidate who will implement all policies and will prohibit overtime of nurses in normal cases. He will ensure funding of education and training for nurses and reimbursement in salaries. Regular bonuses and increments must be made in their salaries to encourage and support their endeavors in providing quality care to patients.
Increments in salary and regular education and training for nurses are important issues in providing quality care to patients. Scholarships must be granted regularly for quality nurses to support their further training. One of the most important issues is a nursing shortage; hence their retention is very critical for quality care service to patients. Retention of nurses will save cost comparatively than investing in education and training of new nurses for quality healthcare. Already learned and experienced nurses are great assets hence their retention is most crucial for quality care. PAC will also resolve any issues and disputes among the nursing institutes and bodies.
References
- Regan, Tom (2000) What are Political Action Committees? Connecticut Nursing News, 2000.
- Twedell DM, Webb JA. (2007) The value of the political action committee: dollars and influence for nurse leaders. Nurs Adm Q. 2007;31(4):279-83